Fundraising drive for Braille computer for Logan

Kate Cronin

Friends and family of a blind 11-year-old from Kettering are raising funds for a piece of equipment that will give him a new lease of life.

Logan Jewell, a pupil at Isebrook College, was born with Lebers Amaurosis.

The brave youngster was born with a cleft palate. The rare congenital condition also causes total blindness.

He has also recently been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder.

Logan has had multiple surgeries since birth to fix his cleft palate, including a painful operation where bone was taken from his hip and implanted in his gums when he was ten.

His relative Georgina Bateson has now started a GoFundMe page to try to fund new Braille equipment that will help Logan with his literacy.

The Braille computer and embosser - a hi-tech printer - costs £5,000.

On the online fundraising page, Georgia says: “Even though Logan faces battles every day, he is a strong, resilient, determined and talented young man who excels in school. He is extremely talented at music and has performed songs at primary school.

“Now he is learning Braille and is almost fluent already.

“He has access to up to date Braille machinery at his new school. However in order for him to be able to read and write Braille at home he needs certain equipment. This can be used for anything from greetings cards to homework assignments.

“It’s imperative that Logan has access to this equipment so he can continue with his education but there are no grants available.

“What he requires, is a BrailleNote Apex, with which he can write Braille easily, and a Braille embosser to print it. The BrailleNote is approximately £3,000. The embosser is £1,495. We are hoping to raise £5,000 in order to buy this along with the special paper required by the embosser which can cost up to £100 per 100 sheets.

“We would be grateful for any donation, large or small.”

You can read more about Logan on his Facebook page and you can donate on the Go Fund Me page.